Today is a great day of jubilee celebration at the Shrine.
First, we celebrate the one-year anniversary of St. Anne’s being under the care of the Saint Anne Shrine Preservation Society. One year ago, the doors of this magnificent shrine re-opened and the work began to preserve and maintain this sacred place for generations to come.
Second, on this day in 1906, the great upper church was solemnly dedicated by Msgr. Diomede Falconio, the Apostolic Delegate to the United States. Today, we commemorate the 114th anniversary of that event.
Third, today is the 14th annversary of the death of the Very Reverend Pierre Lachance OP. Father Lachance served for over 60 years at St. Anne’s in various roles. His last was as director and servant of the Shrine. He followed in the footsteps of the great Rev. Vincent Marchildon OP who was the founder and apostle of the Shrine. Today, especially, we keep both men in our prayers.
The Shrine will be open for visiting through the end of the Dedication Mass this afternoon. Admission to the Mass is capacity limited in line with Diocesan regulations; tickets are still available by requesting at the Shrine office in the lower Shrine.
